Special Restrictions for Transporting Manufactured Homes in Washington

Dec. 6, 2025, 4:05 p.m.
Transporting manufactured homes in Washington requires strict compliance with state oversize regulations. These loads are much larger than typical shipments, so the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) enforces specific rules, routing requirements, and safety measures to protect drivers, infrastructure, and the traveling public. Below is a complete guide to understanding the special restrictions truckers must follow when moving manufactured homes in Washington.
Manufactured Home Permit in Washington

1. Manufactured Homes Are Automatically Oversize Loads

Manufactured homes always exceed standard legal dimensions in Washington.
This means every move requires a Washington Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) permit, regardless of size or route.

Typical manufactured home dimensions:

  • Width: 12–18 feet

  • Height: up to 15 feet

  • Length: 60–80 feet or more

  • Combination length can exceed 100 feet

Because of this, special restrictions apply.

2. Maximum Legal Dimensions for Manufactured Homes

Washington limits manufactured home movements to:

Maximum Width

  • Most homes: 14–16 feet wide

  • Homes wider than 16 feet require additional review and often classification as Superloads

Maximum Height

  • Up to 15 feet, 6 inches, depending on route

  • Any load risking contact with bridges/overpasses requires a route survey

Maximum Length

  • Overall vehicle + home combination length typically cannot exceed
    95–110 feet, depending on setup

Homes exceeding these limits require special approval and routing analysis.

3. Route Restrictions & Pre-Approved Corridors

Washington uses specific pre-approved corridors for manufactured home transport.
Some highways restrict:

  • Turns

  • Interchanges

  • Certain grades

  • Construction zones

  • Night travel

If a home exceeds standard dimensions, WSDOT may require:

  • Custom routing

  • A pilot car survey

  • Temporary traffic control

  • Utility company coordination (for tall loads)

4. Pilot / Escort Vehicle Requirements

Manufactured homes almost always require accompanying escort vehicles, especially for wide or long loads.

General rules (varies by width & length):

Width 12–14 feet

 1 escort vehicle required
Usually trailing the load

Width 14–16 feet

 2 escort vehicles
One in front, one behind

Width 16 feet+

 3 escort vehicles may be required
Plus police escorts in some areas

Pilot cars must meet strict Washington regulations:

  • Height poles for tall homes

  • 2-way communication

  • Advance warning signage

  • Lights & flags

5. Travel Time Restrictions

Manufactured homes are not allowed to travel at all hours.

Typical restrictions:

  • Daylight-only travel

  • No Sunday or holiday travel

  • Curfews in urban areas (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane)

  • Weather-related restrictions (fog, snow, wind)

High winds are a major concern. WSDOT may shut down routes for wide loads during wind advisories.

6. Wind & Weather Restrictions

Due to large surface area, manufactured homes are vulnerable to wind.

Many escorts and carriers follow:

  • No travel when winds exceed 20–25 mph

  • Mandatory pull-off during sudden gusts

  • WSDOT-issued wind advisories on passes and coastal zones

Weather-related compliance is crucial for safety and preventing overturn incidents.

7. Special Towing & Equipment Requirements

Manufactured home haulers must use:

  • Approved towing hitches

  • Safety chains

  • Mirrors extending far enough to see down both sides

  • Red/amber lights at each corner

  • Oversize load signs

  • Flags on edges and corners

Homes must be structurally secure before transport:

  • Windows protected

  • Doors locked

  • Roofing secured

  • Exterior panels tightened

8. Weigh Station & Inspection Requirements

Manufactured homes must:

  • Stop at all open weigh stations

  • Submit permits, routing instructions, and inspections

  • Pass safety checks (tire condition, securement, lights, brake function)

Failure to stop can result in:

  • Heavy fines

  • State escort requirements

  • Out-of-service order

9. Permit Requirements

A Washington manufactured home permit typically requires:

  • Exact home dimensions

  • Axle and tire specs

  • Origin and destination

  • Trailer VIN and configuration

  • Escort vehicle details

  • Proposed route

Homes over certain widths/heights require additional engineering review.

10. Tips to Avoid Delays and Penalties

  • Order permits before entering Washington

  • Check construction zones along the route

  • Monitor wind forecasts

  • Coordinate early with escort services

  • Keep a printed or digital copy of the permit

  • Follow the exact permitted route — no deviations

Manufactured homes are strictly regulated due to safety concerns, so compliance is essential.